Emerald Tree Boa
Common Group: BOA CONSTRICTORS
Common Name: Emerald Tree Boa
Scientific Name: Corallus caninus
Distribution: Northern S. America
Size: 5’ - 6’
Natural habitat
This arboreal species inhabits the tropical rain forest Large habitat should provide lots of climbing areas. When captive, adults require a 24” x 24” x 48” enclosure.

Behavior
Usually aggressive, only minimal taming with handling.

Captive environment
Use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day. Provide a basking area with access to a cooler zone. Provide several climbing areas on branches, logs, & plants.

Temperature
Day temperature should be gradient from 78 to 90 degrees F. Maintain night temperature range between 72-80 degrees F. Use reptile heating pads under tank for 24-hour heat.

Humidity
This species requires a constant high level of humidity.

Water requirements
Provide a large fairly deep bowl for drinking and soaking.

I don’t have a lot of boids. I have two emeralds, one green tree python, one ball and one red tail. The green tree is the most willing to bite, with the others very easy to handle. If you’re willing to provide good care and not handle them much, I’d say go for the emerald.

There are some exceptions. Those exceptions though are not under this heading, since most boids are better off in Rubbermaids. If you’re housing a retic or green anaconda, then you’re on your own as to the proper housing.

Custom enclosures look nice and are good as displays, but what’s more important, your enjoyment or the health of your animal? … Oh, I have screen lids on some of my enclosures and have never had a case of nose rub, ever. It’s all a matter of knowing what you have and what their requirements are.

I was thinking that on this forum, where there is very little motion on the part of the GTP/ETB, a display set up may not prove to be the best for the snake. My GTP is next to my bed in a large Rubbermaid and I can see it pretty easily and enjoy it while it seems to feel very safe inside. When I had my adult emerald in a 2x2x4 glass enclosure, it always seemed dry and cold, even with proper heat and humidity controls. I moved it into a Rubbermaid a few months ago and it seems in a lot better health.

Actually, I found Rubbermaids to be best with boids and arboreal vipers. Elapids seem to enjoy more room than a Rubbermaid can offer. I’ll try and post a photo of the new enclosure I just made for my O. H. It’s a 4x4x4 acrylic enclosure, secured together with silicone. I basically made a large aquarium with a sliding glass door in front and a flip-top for easy access.

In terms of size, that’s actually too big. And the screen is not a good idea unless you live in Florida. An adult GTP would be more than happy in a 2x2x3 enclosure.

"i also have a questian about the rubbermaids, how do you get good ventilation in a plastic container?"

Here are the options as I see it for the beginner:

Aquarium--Heavy, expensive, top screen, hard to move. The beginner will usually over-populate it with trappings, to the point of creating a very heavy, hard to maintain, clumsy enclsoure lacking proper controls.

Rubbermaid-- Easy to move, very inexpensive, simple, almost escape proof, very easy to clean and maintain proper environmental controls. If you populate the inside with a simple substrate, minimal furnishings and an under the tank heating pad, you can actually create a very nice setting. I’ll see if I have any photos...Hold on.